FBI to Get Expert Help In Anthrax Inquiry

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III told skeptical lawmakers yesterday that the bureau will enlist an expert panel to assess the quality of scientific evidence in its widespread anthrax investigation.

Deflecting calls for a special congressional inquiry, bureau leaders are reaching out to the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the advanced genetic tests that investigators used to trace lethal anthrax spores back to a single flask in an Army lab at Fort Detrick, Md.

Prosecutors used the groundbreaking DNA fingerprint analysis, which took years and cost more than $10 million, to brand bioweapons researcher Bruce E. Ivins as the sole culprit in the 2001 anthrax mailings. Ivins committed suicide in July, before he was charged with a crime, leaving questions about his role in attacks that killed five people and sickened 17. – washpost

Why did the White House start taking Cipro on 9/11, days before anyone knew there would be anthrax attacks? That needs to be answered. Among other questions.

Anthrax suspect must have had help: U.S. senator

A senator targeted in the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks said on Wednesday he is convinced that the man believed to have carried it out did not act alone. … “If he (Ivins) was the one who sent the letter, I do not believe in any way shape or manner that he is the only person involved in this attack on Congress or the American people,” Leahy told Mueller. “I believe there are others out there. I believe there are others who can be charged with murder.” Leahy did not explain his views, and a spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for elaboration. FBI officials have said the investigation is over and would be formally closed soon. But Mueller told Leahy the bureau would remain open to considering new evidence that pointed to additional suspects. … Mueller on Tuesday announced that the FBI had asked the National Academy of Sciences to review the scientific evidence, but some lawmakers said it was not enough. – retuers